Name: Crispy Noodle Cake with Barbecued Pork
Yield: Makes 8 first-course or 4 main-course servings
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon cold water; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 tablespoon oriental sesame oil; 2 cups mung bean sprouts; 8 ounces dried Chinese egg noodles*; 4 tablespoons peanut oil, divided; 2 tablespoons minced peeled fresh ginger; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 large green onions, white and pale green parts minced, tops cut into 1-inch pieces; 2 medium carrots, cut into matchstick-size strips; 4 ounces snow peas, cut on diagonal into matchstick-size strips; 6 ounces Chinese barbecued pork, cut into matchstick-size strips

Image may contain Food Noodle Pasta Meal Dish Spaghetti Plant and Vermicelli

Crispy Noodle Cake with Barbecued PorkMark Thomas

Mung bean sprouts, commonly known simply as bean sprouts, are available in the produce section of most supermarkets.

Market tip:

Chinese barbecued pork is often available at the Chinese take-out section of some supermarkets. It is also sold by the pound at Chinese restaurants.

Recipe notes

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.

Crème Anglaise

The silky French vanilla sauce that goes with everything.

Smashed Broccoli Pasta

A feel-good dinner designed to cram a ton of veg in each serving.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Mascarpone Cheesecake

An extra-silky filling (no water bath needed!) and a smooth sour cream topping make this the ultimate cheesecake.